Chapter 190

Grayson’s POV

July 25th – Rickon July 26th – Isabella July 27th – Maria July 28th – Isabella July 31st – Ricardo August 2nd – Isabella August 3rd – Rickon August 4th – Maria August 7th – A call from Carter

That was the sequence of the intervention. I didn't know if they had a schedule, but I didn't care. Everything centered around the same thing:

“Things aren’t as bad as they seem.” “You might not have your wolf, but everyone’s still scared of you. No one would dare challenge your throne.” “You’re full of bullshit; you know Ava would never do this.” “You still haven’t gone to see her? Do you know what you’re putting her through?” “Grayson, can you hear me? Are you even listening?”

The last four statements, along with some colorful curses, came from Isabella in person.

Was I listening? I don't know. But if I can replay the last two weeks, I must have been.

Two weeks since the light died, since the happiness I’d grasped vanished with a force I don’t remember. Moments I cherished, moments that filled me with warmth, now feel like they never existed.

Two weeks since I realized the woman I loved—yes, loved—had betrayed me. I might not have said it aloud, but I loved her. A cruel twist of fate.

Weakness. My father’s favorite word. “Show weakness, and they’ll walk all over you.” And I’d shown Ava Pierce every vulnerable side of me. I gave her everything, hoping for something different, something better. But it only proved my father right. More painful than the betrayal was realizing he was right.

She planned it. They planned it. From the very first moment. How had I not seen it?

A knock sounded. I didn’t look up from the blank screen. I couldn’t focus, couldn’t care. I didn’t have a clue about anything anymore. The voices, the intervention—nothing registered. I was lost in emptiness.

Another knock, louder, more insistent. Probably Isabella. She was the most persistent. I glanced at the door, but it felt like too much effort, so I looked back at the screen.

The door creaked open; I heard heels clicking. A shuffle, then a chair scraped. Still, I didn’t look up.

Silence. Then, her voice cut through it like a blade:

“You’re even worse than I heard.”

Elaine.

I raised my head, meeting her eyes. I expected triumph, that Ava was gone. Instead, she looked at me like she used to as kids—disappointed, annoyed, but still caring. Still loving me.

“When was the last time you showered? Or ate?” she asked.

I didn’t answer.

“Have you heard what people are saying?” she continued, sharply.

Still, I didn’t speak.

She sighed, stood, and said, “If you want to be miserable, at least drown in it. We’re going out for drinks.”

The idea of going out felt too far removed. But she was already rising, determined. I was frozen, but a quiet command was in her eyes.

“Get up. We’re going.”

I looked at her stomach. It was flat. No bump.

I didn’t know why I was thinking about it. Why it mattered. Why I cared.

“Grayson Stephen Blackwood.”

My full name hit me like a punch. I glared, anger bubbling. “I told you never to call me that.”

She didn’t flinch. “He still speaks. Thank the Moon Goddess.”

The glare fell away. It took too much effort. Her eyes softened slightly. She gestured to the bathroom. “The fancy bathroom you built has finally come in handy,” she said gently. “I’m not walking around with you looking like this. Please, take a shower.”

I didn’t remember the last time I’d left the office. I only remembered the numbness, the empty hole in my chest. But her words…her tone… I stood. The action felt robotic. I picked up the suit she’d brought. I just…walked to the bathroom.

The shower felt cold. Every movement was stiff, automatic. My mind was a blur. Nothing made sense. I felt detached, barely there.

Everything was still a blur as I stumbled after Elaine. I didn’t question it. I just…did.

I could feel the stares, even if I couldn’t make them out. I knew the eyes were filled with shock. Shock that Grayson Blackwood had fallen so far.

Even my name felt distant.

The bar came into view. I followed Elaine inside. She led me to a quieter area. I sat down automatically. Numbness settled deep in my chest.

The place was dark. The air smelled of alcohol.

Elaine’s voice cut through the fog: “This is Liam’s favorite bar. It was his suggestion.”

Liam. The name hit me, but it was colder now, distant. The bond we shared…it had faded, hadn’t it? He hadn’t come to see me since… I couldn’t remember.

The words came out before I could stop them: “Should you be drinking? Aren’t you pregnant?”

Pregnant. The word clicked—Elaine was pregnant.

Before she could respond, someone appeared with a drink. I wasn’t paying attention. My eyes were on the glass.

“They know what to bring me,” Elaine said casually. “The plan is to get you drunk enough to talk about your feelings.” She smirked.

I stared at the glass. It felt like it was calling to me. I downed it in one go. Elaine’s sad smile didn’t escape me before she picked up her own drink.

And that was how it started. I wanted to drown. So I kept drinking. One bottle after another. Without my wolf, everything felt different. My head started spinning, but it felt unnatural.

I kept drinking.

“Grayson?” Elaine’s voice pierced the fog. It sounded weak, distant. Everything spun faster and faster.

“I don’t—” She tried again, but her words were drowned out. She didn’t finish. I felt a sudden thud.

My vision stabilized. I saw Elaine slumped on the floor. Panic surged, but my body felt heavy.

“Elaine?” My voice was weak.

Everything spun double-time. My consciousness slipped away. My body was too heavy.

I heard footsteps. Shiny black leather shoes came into view. My head felt underwater.

Then, a whisper: “It’s done.”

That was the last thing I heard before I collapsed beside Elaine.